Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki open to discussing extension with team

Minnesota Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki gets his game face on just before the start of an April game against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo)

The Twins can't say enough good things about Kurt Suzuki.

Suzuki couldn't be happier with his decision to sign a one-year deal with the Twins this offseason.

So, what about an extension? After all, it was only about a month further into the 2012 season (June 29) that the Twins gave a two-year, $7 million extension to catcher Ryan Doumit after signing him for one year at $3 million.

"Too early," a person close to the situation said.

For his part, Suzuki is open to anything after playing for three different teams since late August.

"It's something that I think you'd be crazy not to listen," Suzuki said. "You're always open to those things. The thing with me, being a free agent at the end of the year, if you keep it up you could put yourself in a good spot."

Suzuki entered Wednesday's game ranked third among all regular catchers with a .363 on-base percentage and his combined on-base/slugging percentage of .769 ranked fifth. He also has has served as a valuable mentor to 25-year-old rookie Josmil Pinto.

After signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal that includes $500,000 in bonuses, Suzuki could be in line to cash in this offseason if he keeps hitting like this.

"I talked to my agent (Dan Lozano) about it just because I went through it last year," Suzuki said. "I told him, 'This year, you do everything. You just tell me when it's ready, and I'll go for it.' "

With Oakland on July 23, 2010, Suzuki signed a four-year, $16.25 million extension that included an $8.5 million option for 2014.

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That option would have vested with 113 starts in 2013, but he made just 82 combined starts for Washington and the A's.

Instead, Suzuki received a $650,000 buyout in addition to his Twins salary for this season.

Having already been through free agency, it's easier for Suzuki to put the economics of the game aside.

"I'm just enjoying my time here and focusing on this," he said. "I'm having a blast here with all these guys. That's kind of my main focus."

Suzuki's name has already cropped up in trade speculation from those assuming the Twins will fall from contention by July. Another deadline deal would make it three straight years Suzuki has changed teams during the season.

"Coming to a new team, there's always adjustments," he said. "The one thing that makes it easy here is everybody, all the players and the coaching staff, is so easy to get along with. Great group of guys. It's a good environment. I'm having a good time and just kind of taking it day by day."